But before you get to grilling, it’s important to know that your typical picks — like hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages — may impact your health and the environment at large.

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that every daily serving of unprocessed red meat (like steak, hamburger and pork) increased the risk of dying prematurely by 13 per cent, and processed red meat (such as hot dogs, sausage and bacon) upped the risk by 20 per cent.

Not only is the meat bad for you, but producing it is also bad for the earth.

“Industrial agriculture, but, in particular, the industrial production of animal protein… has some pretty serious environmental consequences,” said Tony Winson, a professor of sociology and anthropology at the University of Guelph.

For example, the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the manure and other animal byproducts damages the ocean and, in effect, other animals.

“That ends up in river systems, and those rivers go to the ocean,” he said.

“One of the big reasons dietitians and the new food guide is promoting plant-based options over meat-based proteins is that they are higher in fibre and lower in the unhealthy, saturated fat,” said dietitian Heidi Murphy, who works with Loblaws in St. John’s, N.L.

According to Murphy, there are some easy changes you can make to eat more ethically this barbecue season (and beyond).

If you can’t part with meat…

There are things you can look for to ensure the meat you’re buying is as ethical as possible.

Some other terms, such as “cage-free” and “free run,” are not third-party certifications. However, they, too, imply higher animal welfare standards.

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Labels you should avoid include terms like “enriched colony,” “comfort coop,” “animal-friendly” and “country fresh.” These are often used to imply welfare benefits, but no changes are made to the typical farming environment.

With regards to what’s healthiest, try to find the least processed option.

“Things like sausages and hot dogs tend to be higher in unhealthy fats and sodium,” said Murphy.